It’s strictly ballroom at the Guildhall this Hallowe’en

Don some creepy couture and take to the floor of the beautiful Upper Ballroom on October 31, for the highlight of the city’s week-long Hallowe’en extravaganza. Carmen Ghia and the Hotrods will be thrilling the crowds with some rousing rockabilly tunes on the night. Tickets for the event go on sale this week from the Guildhall but be warned, this sensational showcase event is expected to attract ghosts, ghouls and garish creatures galore.

Speaking ahead of the event the city’s Mayor Martin Reilly said the ball would be the perfect chance to celebrate Hallowe’en in real style. “The programme this year is extremely impressive, and the Shapeshifters Ball promises to be the real highlight of the evening. It’s the first time we have staged this event but following on from last year’s Shapeshifters catwalk I’m sure we will see some really weird and wonderful creations.

“This year we’ll host a fantastic Carnival parade, followed by some fantastic fireworks on the Foyle, so what better way to finish off the evening than in the atmospheric surrounds of one of the city’s most beautiful buildings?”

In the build-up to the big night why not strut your stuff on the Shapeshifters Catwalk which takes place on October 26 in the Craft Village. You could even be selected to take your place in the Hallowe’en Carnival Parade if you impress the judges, which last year included Red or Dead co-creator Wayne Hemingway.

2012’s catwalk event was a real celebration of fiendish fashion, and during our City of Culture year the competition will be even higher according to event co-ordinator Joe Carlin.

“Last year we saw some stunning creations and there was no limit to the imagination and originality on display,” he said. “Some of the visual effects achieved were absolutely amazing and a real indication of the standard and quality of design and creativity here in the city. I would encourage everyone to join in this year and make this a real Catwalk fright night to remember.”

If you’re not sure where to get started then why not avoid a Hallowe’en howler and make sure you stand out from the crowd by designing your own bespoke Shapeshifters costume. Budding designers can avail of some help and inspiration at the special design workshops running every week at the Craft Cottage, Craft Village from next week, Friday, October 11. Workshops are open to 16-year-olds and over and anyone hoping to take part should register in advance.

Workshops take place on the following dates Friday, October 11, Friday, October 18, Saturday, October 19 and Friday, October 25. To register email [email protected]

Tickets for the Shapeshifters Ball are priced £20 and are available through the Guildhall, telephone 028 7136 5151, extension 8301. Doors open at 9pm and close at 1am. Admission for over-18s only.

You can get all the latest information on the programme online at www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween or view the interactive programme via the Halloween Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/thebanksofthefoylehalloweencarnival and clicking on the Halloween Programme button.